India added 351MW of solar capacity in Q2 2020
India added a mere 351MW of solar power generation capacity in the second quarter (Q2) of 2020. The total installed capacity stands at 38,377MW at the end of the quarter. This, according to a report by Bridge to India.
Capacity addition was down 64% quarter-on-quarter as a consequence of the extended COVID lockdown and restrictions on the movement of people and goods. Even as restrictions continue to be relaxed, labour shortage and restrictive work practices continue to stunt progress.
Power Minister proposed RPO for round the clock renewable power
Power Minister R. K. Singh proposed a renewable purchase obligation (RPO) mechanism for round the clock (RTC) renewable energy, which would promote storage solutions in the country. He was speaking at the 6th Foundation day of Association of Renewable Energy Agencies of States (AREAS).
Under a RPO, bulk purchasers like DISCOMs, open access consumers and capacitive users are required to buy a certain proportion of renewable energy or renewable energy certificates (RECs). RPO being mandatory for RTC renewable energy will encourage investments in renewable electricity storage projects.
AREAS has been created as a knowledge sharing platform for the renewable energy sector.